Connection issues
I can't connect to Surfshark I'm getting an error I can't send emails How to troubleshoot connection issues – unable to connect How to fix unable to connect issues on Windows How to fix unable to connect issues on Android How to fix unable to connect issues on macOS How to fix unable to connect issues on iOS
  1. Surfshark Customer Support
  2. VPN Guides
  3. Fix an issue
  4. Connection issues

How to connect to Surfshark on macOS from China using WireGuard® manual connection

Updated:

 

In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on your macOS device.

 

For any manual WireGuard® connection, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans on Surfshark’s pricing page.

 

We will cover the following steps:

  1. Get your key pair
  2. I have a key pair
  3. I don't have a key pair
  4. Choose a Surfshark server
  5. Download WireGuard® and connect to the VPN
  6. Ensure the connection is successful

 
Get your key pair


There are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated a key pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.

If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to the I don’t have a key pair section.

I have a key pair

  1. Go to Surfshark's login page and log in. Then, visit VPN > Manual setup. Choose the Desktop or mobile option and click on WireGuard.


  2. In the next window, click on I have a key pair.


  3. Name your key pair and click Next.


  4. Enter your public key and hit Save.


I don't have a key pair

  1. Go to Surfshark's login page and log in. Then, visit VPN > Manual setup. Choose the Desktop or mobile option and click on WireGuard.


  2. In the next window, click on I don't have a key pair.


  3. Name your new key pair.


  4. Click on Generate a new key pair.

    NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You will not be able to check them here again.
     

Choose a Surfshark server

Once you have your key pair, you should see a Choose a location button. Click on it. Here, you'll find the list of available locations to connect to. Select one and hit the download button.


 

Download WireGuard® and connect to the VPN

  1. Open the App Store on your macOS device, type in WireGuard in the search field, and install the WireGuard application. 
    wgmac1.png
     
  2. Once the installation is complete, open the WireGuard application.
    mceclip0.png
  3. In the WireGuard application, click on Import tunnel(s) from file.mceclip1.png
     
  4. Now select the Surfshark configuration file you downloaded earlier and hit Import.
    mceclip2.png

  5. In the next pop-up, click Allow.
    mceclip0.png
     
  6. You can rename this uploaded connection to your liking. To do so, simply click Edit. I'll name it Surfshark WireGuard.
     
    NOTE: Once you click Edit, you will need to enter your Keychain password, which is your regular macOS device password.
    mceclip1.png
    mceclip2.png
     
  7. Lastly, to connect to the VPN, click Activate, and to disconnect from the VPN, click Deactivate.
    mceclip3.png

  

Ensure the connection is successful

 

We always recommend checking if Surfshark VPN is working after setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performing Surfshark IP leak test and a DNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.




You may also be interested in:

Was this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback!